AFRICA/NIGERIA - The Nigerian Bishops urge young people to live the fullness of faith and work for the common good

Abuja (Fides Service) - "Look after your dignity and integrity and behave like good patriots". This is how His Exc. Mgr. Joseph Effiong Ekuwem, Bishop of Uyo (Nigeria) and responsible for the pastoral agents of the Nigerian Episcopal Conference, urged the young Nigerians who will be attending World Youth Day to be held in Madrid on August 15.
In a preparatory meeting for World Youth Day which was held recently in Abuja, Mgr. Ekuwem stressed that World Youth Day is not a pleasure trip but a "spiritual exercise, a rebirth, a retreat, a pilgrimage, a spiritual journey, a sharing of faith and an encounter with God and his people".
On the same occasion His Exc. Mgr. John Ebebe Ayah, Bishop of Ogoja and President of the pastoral youth Committee of the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria, urged the young Nigerians to work in order to transform the Country. Mgr. Ayah, observed that in recent years, the Nigerian families have increased the resources devoted to education and training of children, he said he hopes that young people use the knowledge gained not only to their own advantage but also for the common good. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 07/27/2011)